Cinder Block DIY Outdoor Bench

Transform your outdoor space into a cozy retreat with a DIY outdoor bench made from cinder blocks. This simple, sturdy, and affordable project is perfect for beginners and adds a unique touch to your garden, patio, or balcony. Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating this functional and stylish piece of furniture.

Cinder blocks, also known as concrete blocks, are versatile and durable. They're perfect for this project as they can withstand various weather conditions and require minimal maintenance. Plus, they're incredibly affordable, making this DIY project budget-friendly. So, let's get started!

Gather Your Materials and Tools

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools on hand. This will make the building process smoother and more efficient.

Here's a list of what you'll need:

• 8 cinder blocks
• Gravel or sand (for filling the blocks)
• Concrete mix (optional, for added stability)
• Grout or mortar mix (for filling joints)
• Tape measure
• Level
• Shovel
• Gloves
• Trowel
• Wheelbarrow (for mixing concrete/grout)
• Broom (for sweeping excess grout)

Plan Your Bench Design

Before you start laying the blocks, plan your bench design. A simple L-shape or straight bench works well with cinder blocks. Measure your space to determine the size of your bench. For this guide, we'll create a straight bench that's 48 inches long and 18 inches deep.

Sketch your design, including the dimensions, to serve as a reference while building.

Prepare Your Workspace

Choose a flat, stable surface for your workspace. If you're building the bench in its final location, ensure the ground is level. If not, you may need to create a temporary level surface using a base of gravel or sand.

Lay out your cinder blocks according to your design, leaving them unmortared for now.

Build the Bench Structure

Now that you've planned and prepared, it's time to start building your bench. We'll begin by creating the base and then build up to create the seating surface.

Remember, cinder blocks are heavy, so work safely and consider asking for help if needed.

Create the Base

Turn two cinder blocks on their sides and place them parallel to each other, 18 inches apart. These will serve as the base of your bench.

Fill the hollow centers of these blocks with gravel or sand. This helps to stabilize the bench and provides drainage for any water that may accumulate.

Add the Seat Supports

Stack two more cinder blocks on top of the base blocks, one at each end. These will serve as the supports for the seating surface.

Fill the hollow centers of these blocks with gravel or sand as well. You can also mix in some concrete for added stability, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

Create the Seating Surface

Now that you have the base and supports, it's time to create the seating surface. This will be the top layer of your bench, made up of four cinder blocks.

Place two cinder blocks on top of the end supports, leaving a small gap between them. These will form the backrest of your bench.

Add the Center Blocks

Place the remaining two cinder blocks on top of the base blocks, between the backrest blocks. These will complete the seating surface.

Fill the hollow centers of these blocks with gravel or sand. Again, you can mix in some concrete for added stability if desired.

Fill the Joints

The final step is to fill the joints between the cinder blocks with grout or mortar. This will give your bench a finished look and add to its stability.

Mix your grout or mortar according to the package instructions. Using a trowel, apply the mixture to the joints, filling them completely. Use a level to ensure the bench remains even as you work.

Clean Up

Once you've filled all the joints, use a broom to sweep away any excess grout. Be sure to clean the broom frequently to avoid spreading excess grout onto the bench.

Allow the grout to cure according to the package instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours. Keep the bench out of direct sunlight and protect it from rain during this time.

After the grout has cured, your DIY outdoor bench with cinder blocks is ready for use! Enjoy your new seating area, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying your outdoor space. Who knew that such a functional and stylish piece of furniture could be created with something as simple as cinder blocks? Happy building!